Convento São Francisco de Mértola
Freya Pocklington
Artist residency September/October. Exhibition opening 28-10-2007
At the Convento time goes at such a beautiful pace; slowly and serenely, reminiscent of childhood days. The imagination thrives in its freedom therefore, amongst the many sculptures, gardens, art, animals and people.
My work aims to assimilate my memories, dreams and immediate thoughts into a story. The dreams offer characters which I can
anthropomorphise, consequently allowing some privacy for the narrative. There is a meaningful undertone to the work although it also aims to amuse. Animals are often used as symbolic of people, so the viewer can relate and empathise more with the character.
The sketchbooks are accounts of particular places, often recording stories
about the gardens or people around me. I like to make these before my larger works, as I get some understanding of a place, a feel for the colours and atmosphere.
The seven weeks at the Convento has been truly inspirational, relaxing
and wonderful. My work has developed throughout all its stages in this special place and I wish to acknowledge here how much Geraldine, Louis and Christiaan have each played a vital part in making this possible, with their encouragement and support, resulting in, not only this exhibition but also an influence on my future working life as an artist.
